Artvin in North East Turkey

The first time I saw Artvin I saw it looking up from the bus stop along its river. The city lay high above me, amidst green hills. I was on the way from Kars to Hopa, but decided to return sometime. I did, June 2006, and had read that the Lonely Planet Guide almost advised against visiting the city these days, since the surrounding hills were scarred by the preparatory work for a large dam. It was somewhat right. I did like the city well enough, and looking out from some spots the hills were green and rising high. From others, however, the landscape looked as if all vegetation had been scraped off, and at some spots, it was clear that the engineers had reshaped hills beyond recognition. The weather didnt help: there was constantly a threat of rain, so I did not venture into the hills, but stayed within the towns limits. This is what I saw.

I will not supply much comments, since I think the pictures will explain themselves. I may return in five, six years, if the work is finished on schedule by then a sizeable lake should have formed behind the barrage. The barrage I saw on the way to the coast, I will add some pictures from that later. I will also rearrange pictures somewhat. Comments from people who could name a specific hill or building are welcome, please write in English though.

IT S ABOUT HONOUR I THINK, NOT TO BEG AND SOMEHOW U CAN'T SEE IN BIGGER CITIES. NOT ABOUT WEALTHY BUT ABOUT WAY OF LIFE.

jack bey, oretmen

12-Feb-2010 19:04

The quaint, charming Artvin I remember as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1965-67 is not much in evidence (It seems so white-washed modern with pools and paved streets and high-rise buildings), so I'll cherish my memories of the warmth and generosity of its citizens.

David Rose

01-Feb-2008 10:57

The pictures of the dam construction are just crushing to see. I spent several months on the Coruh river ten years ago on three seperate trips to eastern Turkey and the Caucasus. It was the only place that made me want to stay and come back . To think of of all the people living in the villages that will be cut off from main towns along the Coruh. The rushing Coruh now a lake? Yusufeli under water? This area for me was not only so beautiful, but the most diverse and culturally interesting. Odd that the Turkish goverment is drowning the most ethnically diverse parts of Turkey. Also, I might add I never came across a single begger, not one. Thank you for posting these great photos!

Suzan Keten Nokay

31-Jan-2008 15:14

I worked in Artvin for five years and I can't forget those days. I've been in Mersin for twelve years and Artvin has always been in my dreams.I want to go there again with my family,it's my only wish.Kasým, do you remember me? I'm your first English teacher and I think you're an English teacher now.I'm very excited at the moment.It's great to get news about you.I want to say that I had my best days in Artvin, unspoiled secret places.If you are a real explorer, you'll see them.

Kasım TORAMAN

28-Jan-2008 05:08

I think You didn't have a good guide. It is not possible to understand our city just travelling along the roads. You should have stopped in different parts of it and go inside, see the environment and life conditions and enjoy with the people. It is thought to be alone and ignored but sometimes are the thoughts really opposite the reality. In fact, People in Artvin are much happier than you can see or imagine since they sorry we have always loved its being shared only by us :). By the way, I am from Çifteköprü village in Borçka located between Artvin and Hopa. You can expeerience everything towards life. I recommend you to stay long enough there the next time...Good luck

I love your photos very much, ýt's so interesting that you have come here and taken photos of Artvin because Artvin is very isolated place.you must come there again ther are lots of hýstorýcal and traditional buldýngs that you will interest and love thanks for photos

RESUL BAYINDIRLI

24-Oct-2007 12:56

Dear Mr.Dick Osseman...I have been living here about five years...I am a gegraphy teacher...I wish,when you were here, it would possible to meet meet you...I like pics...thank you:)

erkan

17-Sep-2007 16:03

First of all you were welcome to my city and thank you. I know what lonely planet says about the city. It is right in a way but not completely. There are still nice historical Turkish houses and former Russian governmental buildings, at least. Other attractions may not be up to Lonely Planet' s street. Anyway, it isn't possible to explore Artvin in a while.

I found the photography, slightly above the average mark. Reading some of the comments, I could not help remembering the helpless beggers of New York, Miami and DC, and the many EU capitals today.

I always thought of these unfortunate american and similar street beggers who are a daily scene in many EU capitals, that they were outcasts - European and american beggers without any human dignity left in them - by their own people, in their own countries. What a shame, what a shame...

Come to think of it, I thought the number of beggars below par. I think I recall one or two, but they were not photogenic. I contemplate writing to the city council to complain. Thanks for drawing my attention to this obvious inbalance in the population structure.

Guest

22-Jul-2006 22:15

oh! I could not see any beggars. Not your style. why? Artvin is richer than capital Ankara? ;)